Psychiatric hospitalization among children with autism spectrum disorders

J Autism Dev Disord. 2008 Jul;38(6):1059-65. doi: 10.1007/s10803-007-0481-2. Epub 2007 Nov 2.

Abstract

This study examined predictors of psychiatric hospitalization among children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Data were collected from 760 caregivers of children with ASD. Cox regression was used to determine factors associated with hospitalization. Almost 11% were hospitalized. Youth in single parent homes were more likely to be hospitalized (OR = 2.54), as were youth diagnosed at a later age (OR = 1.10). Engaging in self-injurious behavior (OR = 2.14), aggressive behavior (OR = 4.83), and being diagnosed with depression (OR = 2.48) or obsessive compulsive disorder (OR = 2.35) increased the odds of hospitalization. Risk for hospitalization increased with age and over time. The results suggest early diagnosis and community-based interventions for aggressive and self-injurious behaviors may reduce hospitalizations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aggression / psychology
  • Asperger Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Asperger Syndrome / epidemiology*
  • Asperger Syndrome / psychology
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / epidemiology*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / epidemiology*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / epidemiology
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / statistics & numerical data
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Pennsylvania
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / diagnosis
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Utilization Review / statistics & numerical data